Seaside meet an exception in racing's foreboding landscape

DEL MAR —— Excuse the folks at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for
grabbing their shoes and hats, and pointing them to the sunny side
of the track.

While California's horse racing industry struggles to keep its
niche, the annual Del Mar stop continues to shine like a cloudless
beach day.

The 66th running at Del Mar gets under way today, when
horseplayers jam the venerable track for opening day. It concludes
Sept. 7, a somewhat downcast date for some as they realize it will
be another year before they enjoy the collision of the turf and the
surf.

"The scenery is unbelievable there,” said Kevin Smith, a
conservative bettor who makes the annual trek south for the meet
from Orange County. "You can't find a better place to watch the
races."

Even if your picks don't pluck cash from the betting window, the
environment is the equivalent of a hitting a Pick 6.

"Location, location, location,” said Dan Smith, the track's
public relations director, no relation to the bettor.

Del Mar's locale makes Dan Smith's job easier. He doesn't have
to manufacture a stable full of gimmicks to get backsides along Del
Mar's backstretch. The people come every year, and seldom does Del
Mar —— the track, its weather and intangibles —— disappoint.

In addition to tempting patrons with beaches, boutiques, bistros
and bars, Del Mar's calendar spot is beneficial. Instead of
sizzling in other parts of Southern California, the faithful flock
to coastal Del Mar to stay cool and be cool.

With a limited time to do it.

"There is still a novelty associated with Del Mar because we
only go for seven weeks,” Dan Smith said.

In the Los Angeles-area, horseplayers can bounce between
Hollywood Park, Santa Anita and Los Alamitos. But those venues are
horses of a different color compared with the scenic Del Mar
track.

"It's the only one,” Kevin Smith said, "with a beach.”

Del Mar's success stands in contrast to horse racing in the rest
of the state. The industry in California has been plagued by
credibility issues, off-site betting, Internet wagering and
competition from Indian casinos —— resulting in lagging
attendance.

Since the horse vans departed Del Mar last September, California
racing has struggled with the following issues:

n The practice of milkshaking —— feeding bicarbonate cocktails
to horses to reduce fatigue —— was publicized, and several top
trainers had their horses quarantined because of positive
tests.

n The popular filly Sweet Catomine became the center of
controversy when she ran poorly in the Santa Anita Derby as the
even-money favorite. Owner Martin Wygod had not disclosed several
physical ailments and shipped Sweet Catomine off racetrack grounds
under a false name.

n A complaint by the California Horse Racing Board against Wygod
for the Sweet Catomine case was dismissed. Stewards ruled that the
CHRB's investigators failed to produce evidence to back the
complaint.

n Trainer Jeff Mullins disparaged racing fans in comments
attributed to him in the L.A. Times.

n The CHRB was accused of having conflicts of interest because
several board members have racing interests.

Earlier this month, Churchill Downs Inc. sold Hollywood Park to
Bay Meadows, which owns the Northern California track of the same
name. Both the buyer and seller warned Sacramento politicians that
unless concessions are made to the economics of horse racing,
Hollywood Park and Bay Meadows ultimately could be developed
commercially.

But talk of Del Mar closing is as rare as a sure-fire trifecta.
While other tracks stick their noses upward to stay afloat, Del
Mar's popularity rides a consistent tide. Last year, the track
averaged 17,052 daily patrons —— its highest showing since
1988.

Many come for more than the ponies, arriving early and staying
late. What's the hurry to leave when the ocean beckons, as well as
top-notch eateries and watering holes?

"No. 1, people get to spend their summer vacation at a
racetrack. And where else can you go to do that, and enjoy the
great weather and great beaches?” asked John Smith, co-owner of the
venerable Red Tracton's restaurant, which is across the street from
the track.

"It's just a perfect venue. My experience has been that everyone
that comes down here has a great time.”

Del Mar's history is another reason for its timeless charm. Bing
Crosby and his Hollywood pals made Del Mar the place to be in the
1937 debut season. Crosby serenaded people into taking a plane, a
train or a car to old Del Mar, and horse-racing aficionados have
done just that.

By closing the eyes and opening the imagination, one can almost
smell Crosby's pipe, spot Jimmy Durante's elongated nose or hear
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz screaming for a long shot pushing
toward the finish line.

W.C. Fields was also a Del Mar regular. And even Fields, after a
peak around Del Mar's gorgeous grounds, likely declined to proclaim
that he'd rather be in Philadelphia.

For those with a thirst for horse racing, Del Mar —— once again
—— is the place to be starting today.